Dwyer, a Pasadena Republican, entered the plea in Anne Arundel County Circuit Court three months after he admitted to the same charge in county District Court. He decided to appeal to the higher court after a judge sentenced him to 30 days in jail, a $1,000 fine and a year of supervised probation.

The case was prosecuted by the Howard County state's attorney's office because Dwyer is an elected official in Anne Arundel. Retired Judge Emory A. Plitt Jr. of Harford County will determine the sentence.

Wayne Kirwan, a spokesman for the Howard state's attorney, said prosecutors will oppose probation before judgment but will make no recommendation on jail time. Kirwan said the judge plans to examine documentation of Dwyer's alcohol rehabilitation and statements from crash victims.

David W. Fischer, Dwyer's attorney, said his client is not contesting the fine or probation but hopes to be spared jail time.

Dwyer was charged after a collision Aug. 22 between his 27-foot power boat — named The Legislator — and another vessel on the Magothy River. His blood-alcohol level was measured at almost three times the legal limit. Three children were among those hospitalized in the crash.

At his first trial in May, Dwyer apologized for his actions that day.

First elected to the House in 2003, Dwyer has said he plans to seek a fourth term next year.

Tea Party leader Del. Neil Parrott offered fresh details about the boating collision that put six people in the hospital and is threatening to end the political career of Del. Don Dwyer, who was drunkenly at the helm.